Prince Harry is expected to arrive in the UK soon, but reports suggest his upcoming visit has already created frustration inside Buckingham Palace.
According to insiders, palace aides have been left “weary and wary” as they wait for clear confirmation of the Duke of Sussex’s plans. King Charles is said to have offered Harry accommodation on the royal estate, but there has reportedly been uncertainty over whether the prince will accept the offer or split his stay between palace property and private accommodation.
One source described the situation as “an absolute mess,” adding that some within royal circles are questioning Harry’s intentions despite claims from Sussex supporters that he wants to repair his relationship with his family.
“If that’s the case, he’s going a funny way about it,” one insider reportedly said.
A source close to the royal household told the Daily Mail that King Charles is not necessarily desperate for reconciliation, but remains open to seeing his son if Harry genuinely wants to meet. The father and son have reportedly seen each other only twice in the past two years.
Harry is also believed to be awaiting clarity over security arrangements for himself and his family while in Britain. A Los Angeles-based associate of the Duke previously claimed there had been a slight improvement in relations between Harry and Charles, but royal insiders reportedly feel the repeated speculation around the visit has tested patience at the Palace.
There is also concern over reports that Harry raised the possibility of bringing his children, Archie and Lilibet, before suggesting that the plan could change if armed police protection was not provided.
Archie and Lilibet have not seen King Charles in person since June 2022, when they travelled to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Meghan Markle has also not spent an extended period in the UK since the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022, aside from brief stopovers linked to overseas trips.
The Sussex children are not expected to appear at public events during the visit. Meghan, however, is reportedly scheduled to join Harry for engagements connected to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and an Invictus Games event in Birmingham.
One person familiar with the situation told The Mail that the Palace would have preferred the visit to remain calm and low-key for the sake of family relations.
“Yet, once again, they have turned it into a soap opera. It’s tiresome,” the source added.
